Bess Shipside

Yoga • London

Ive always put a lot of heart into anything I choose to explore- travelling, art, massage, yoga, cooking, learning, laughing- I love to be involved in the flow of creative process as a form of meditation and healing. We all have the opportunity for positive transformation and a move towards vibrant health and balance that integrates body, mind and spirit. The yoga journey just keeps unravelling- I’ am so lucky to share my love for this way of living with people who open themselves to the process and to be able to offer support to those who need it, as we explore yoga and the self together. 10 years ago I went to my first class and then travelled to India in 2010 to find out more and do a teacher training. Now I share classes, workshops, and teach 1 to 1’s around London and offer thai yoga massage for relaxation and healing.

What drives you?

Connecting to people. places and moments and creating space for people to have a fuller more embodied experience of the moment and themselves within it. Sharing my love of yoga feeds and inspires me to keep refining, simplifying, sharing and learning. Connection and love is the driving force- creating space for anyone to feel let go and relax is really important to me.

What’s next in training?

Exploring Kalari Payattu ( an indian body tradition and martial art ) and more yoga study with some of my teachers for a month in Kerela. I try to go back every couple of years to deepen my practice. Im also studying a further 300 hours of Prana Flow Yoga- self study ( svadhaya in yoga) is really integral in a holistic approach to health and wellness. I’ll also be helping bring some new yoga teachers into the world on the www.realflowyoga.com teacher training and I'm so excited to share insight and hold space for those starting out. There is constant flow of learning and discovery on this path, a full spectrum of feeling and challenge.

What makes you happy?

Being in nature, the elements. The wind, the sea- movement and flow. The creative process and getting absorbed into something bigger than me. Kindness and giving makes me happy.

How do you create balance in your life?

I try to see the opportunity for balance, positive action & thought in each moment. Of course sometimes and especially as I live in a busy city, a work/life/energy balance can be hard to find or maintain. Its really about listening deeply and realising that I nearly always ( and luckily, gratefully ) have a choice and honouring what feels truly of benefit for self and others. The environment is really important to me - so i minimise the use of anything that creates harm, excess waste or pollutants and eat plant based too. This goes such a long way in promoting inner and outer balance. Of course a regular yoga practice and variety in exercise helps me feel balanced and dynamic!

What’s one piece of kit you could not live without?

Re- fillable water bottle- we all know why.

What are your goals for the future?

To be content, happy, healthy and for this to permeate to those I am around and come into contact with. I try not to set ‘goals’ as such but stay in the flow of moving forward and towards a happy and productive space. Though i would love to paint and draw more and this is a really important part of my future. Im also continually feeling like i could be more organised so perhaps thats a goal.

Who inspires you and why?

Everyone is inspiring- inspiration can be found anywhere. My wonderful creative boyfriend, supportive family, friends, fellow teachers and especially students in the London yoga community are deeply inspiring - they are the ones who help keep me seeking and learning and provide me with the opportunity to do so. Nature and the mystery of life is the biggest inspiration- such beauty and wonder everywhere.